Sights to See
The following is a curated list of sights that all travellers should have the chance to visit while in Salzburg…
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg
Sitting high above the Salzburg Old Town upon the Festungsberg Mountain, the Hohensalzburg Fortress has protected the city of Salzburg since 1077. Originally built by the archbishops of Salzburg and considerably expanded over the centuries, the fortress was never conquered in battle. Today it stands as one of the best preserved castle complexes in Europe and as a symbol of Salzburg. The fortress contains a fascinating range of museums including the Fortress Museum, Marionette Museum, Altes Zeughaus (Old Armoury) and Museum of Rainer Regiment which provide a great historical insight in to the history of the fortress and those who lived there over the centuries. Don’t miss the impressive Prince’s Chambers, found on the upper floor which have been preserved with the original, lavishly decorated 1501 era furnishings and design.
Situated atop the Festungsberg Mountain above Salzburg, the fortress also boasts stunning panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside.
To get to the fortress you can take the Festungsbahn funicular from the centre of the Old Town, which takes one minute and departs every ten minutes throughout the day. Alternatively, you can walk up the hill, which takes approximately 20 minutes.
The All-Inclusive ticket includes: ascent and descent with the funicular, access to all areas of the fortress (including the Prince’s Chambers) and an audio tour and costs €15.70.
The Old Town (Alstadt) and Getreidegasse
A highlight of any trip to Salzburg is to wander through the picturesque Old Town (Altstadt) streets. Stroll along ancient cobblestones and gaze at the beautifully preserved medieval and baroque houses and shopfronts with their intricate and unique wrought-iron signs. Follow the winding laneways and explore the quaint squares. Meander along Getreidegasse, the traditional shopping street, and peruse the countless boutiques, galleries and shops and when you’re in need of a rest, pop into one of the cosy coffee shops or inns for a drink. Look out for Mozart Square, with its statue of Salzburg’s most famous son; the Residenz Square which features the Residenzbrunnen, an impressive baroque fountain; and the Chapter Square with its stunning fortress views and giant golden sphere. The Old Town of Salzburg is full of wonderful museums, churches and historic sights, all clustered into the compact area nestled under the mountain-top fortress, making it an enchanting city to explore on foot.
Mozart’s Geburtshaus (Birthplace)
Getreidegasse 9, 5020 Salzburg
Number 9, Getreidegasse is the most famous address in all of Salzburg, the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756. Mozart lived in the third floor apartment with his family for the first 17 years of his life, before moving across the river to what is now known as Mozart’s Residence. The museum has been operated by the Salzburg Mozarteum Foundation since 1880 and is now spread across the three storeys of the building. Inside, you can explore the rooms in which the Mozart family lived, reconstructed and furnished as it would have been during Mozart’s life. Learn about Mozart’s life, his music, his family and friends and how he went from a child prodigy to an icon. The museum has a large collection of artefacts including portraits, letters written by Mozart and personal items including his ring, wallet, tobacco tin and even a lock of his hair. The highlight of the museum is the collection of Mozart’s own instruments including his childhood violin, concert violin, viola, pianoforte and clavichord.
Tickets are €12, or €18.50 to include the Mozart Residence as well.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Mirabellplatz, 5020 Salzburg
Mirabell Palace was built on the east side of the Salzach River in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress and their children. In 1721, the palace was refurbished and remodelled into the impressive Baroque structure it is today. The palace was home to many important figures throughout the centuries and today houses the Salzburg city administration and mayor’s offices. Inside, the magnificent Marble Hall is resplendent with ornate marble floors, gilded stucco walls and soaring ceilings with elegant chandeliers. The Marble Hall is a much loved wedding venue and classical concerts are held most days, following the tradition of Mozart performing concerts in the very same hall.
The gorgeous Mirabell Gardens, adjoining the palace, were designed in 1690 in the geometric Baroque form. The gardens are split into a series of themed gardens including the: Dwarf Garden, Rose Garden, Hedge Theatre and Orangery; and feature the beautiful Pegasus and Grand Fountains. Full of colour and life all though the year, the gardens are a lovely place to stroll or, take a seat at one of the stone benches and soak up the history and beauty of the surrounds. The gardens are oriented towards the striking Hohensalzburg Fortress in the distance which provides a wonderful backdrop to photographs.
The Mirabell Gardens are perhaps best known for having featured in The Sound of Music. In the film, Maria and the Von Trapp children dance and sing throughout the gardens and around the Pegasus Fountain.
It is free to enter the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
DomQuartier Salzburg
Residenzplatz 1, Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg
The DomQuartier comprises three historic buildings: the historic Salzburg Cathedral; the Residenz, home for centuries of the prince-archbishops of Salzburg; and St Peter’s Abbey, the oldest monastery in the German speaking world. Visitors to the DomQuartier take a historic walking tour through these beautiful and significant buildings and their museums. Along the way you wander through the grand, ornately decorated state rooms, gaze at priceless artworks and artefacts and learn about the religious importance of Salzburg and its former rulers.
The State Rooms of the Residenz feature intricate parquet floors, stunning stucco and beautiful ceiling frescoes. The rooms are furnished with gorgeous period furniture, dazzling chandeliers and tapestries and have vast windows that look out onto the Old Town streets and squares.
The Residenzgalerie showcases an impressive selection of 16th to 19th century artwork by renowned European painters across a further 11 rooms of the Residenz.
Cross between the Residenz and the Cathedral along the Dombogenterrasse and take in the spectacular views over the Residenzplatz.
Into the Cathedral, you first enter the Cathedral Museum. On display are artworks and artefacts belonging to the Salzburg Archdiocese covering an incredible 1000 years from the 8th century to 18th centuries. From the organ loft in the Cathedral you get a magnificent view of the interior of the famous Cathedral and its intricate design.
The tour concludes in St. Peter’s Museum, the museum of the historic St. Peter’s Abbey. This museum presents religious artworks and artefacts collected by the Archabbey of St. Peter over the centuries including paintings, coins, prints and artefacts including the 11th century St. Rupert’s Pastoral Staff and a 12th century chalice.
